James Lieb

James F. Lieb, age 65, of Erie, died unexpectedly surrounded by his family and closest friends, on December 31, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital.  He was born in Erie, PA on September 4, 1952, son of the late James A. and Mary Kay Lieb.

Jim’s roots took hold at St. John the Baptist School and he was proud to be known as a “Johnner” his entire life.  He graduated from Cathedral Prep and went on to earn his accounting degree at Mercyhurst College.  Jim worked for Mercyhurst College for 38 years and retired in 2014 as the Director of Finance.

Those that knew Jim best cherished his sense of humor and his devotion to family and friends. If he wasn’t at one of his volunteer jobs, he could be found helping others with whatever they needed.  He was devoted to his church, St. John the Baptist, serving in many capacities. He served on the Board of the Humane Society of NWPA, volunteered at Emmaus Food Pantry, and worked alongside his wife Mary Ellen at Our Neighbors’ Place and Emmaus Soup Kitchen.

People enjoyed seeing Jim driving around town in one of his Toyota land cruisers or his VW camper.  He was a faithful fan of the women’s Mercyhurst Hockey team along with his buddy Tom, whom he nicknamed, Super Fan.  Jim’s love of nature led him to unique travel spots over the years and yearly camping expeditions with his niece and nephew, Laura and Brian.  The Monday Night Crew, a group of friends and family who have shared dinners together on Monday’s for over 25 years, will especially miss him. 

Jim was preceded in death by his stepmother Bernice Telepak Lieb, several aunts, uncles and cousins; most recently by his Aunt Nancy Rupp, who was also his beloved godmother, and stepsister Beverly Baugh.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Mary Ellen Lieb, whom he married on December 30^th, 1995.  He is further survived by his brother Tom Lieb (Kathi), sisters Mary Pat Robison (Dave) and Nancy Nellis (Ken), sister-in-law, Luann Wilwohl (Mark), step brothers-in-law Bill Telepak (Donna) and Fred Baugh, as well as his nieces and nephews, Sarah Lieb, David Robison (Tasha), Andrew Nellis, Molly Jickling (Ian), Laura Wilwohl, Brian Wilwohl, and great nieces and nephews, Aiden, Allie, and Bella.  Jim will also be missed by his aunts Susan Kirsch and Yvonne Lieb, uncle Edward Zabrosky (Janet), and many, many cousins.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Wintergreen Funeral Home, 2532 Norcross Road, Erie, on Friday, January 5, 2017 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Saturday, January 6, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Church, 509 East 26^th St., Erie from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at 11 a.m.  Private interment will be in Whispering Pines Cremation Garden at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to the Emmaus Food Pantry, 345 East Ninth Street, Erie, PA  16503 or The Humane Society of NWPA, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, PA   16506.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com.